The treatment of diabetes begins with knowing what to look for and how to evaluate the information gleaned through testing. When properly administered and interpreted, this information can protect against the adverse effects that diabetic symptoms can cause such as blindness, kidney failure, amputation, and the development of heart disease. Equally the opposite, a misinterpretation of test readings can lead to the loss of valuable time needed to treat symptoms (if the signs are not seen) or the administration of treatment when it is not required. This can cause shock and severe side effects as a result. Accuracy in interpretive analysis is important for everyone concerned with diabetes. It is a life saver, to be sure.

Blood testing is one of two common methods to evaluate blood glucose levels. There are four areas of interpretive analysis utilized in these tests. First, is Random blood glucose testing without fasting as a pre-requisite. This is conducted if there is a suspicion of diabetes along with some of the traits associated with a diabetic episode: frequent bathroom trips to urinate, an increase in fluid intake, and fatigue and the glucose level are higher than 200 milligrams/dL. This test should be cross referenced with the results from a blood test taken after a fasting period. The second blood test evaluation is called the Hemogoblin A1c test. This means of glucose analysis is usually performed as way of determining how well the patient is managing his own glucose levels or as a way of testing for symptoms leading to diabetes. The fasting blood glucose level is a test to determine if diabetes is present. Diabetes is successfully diagnosed if as a result of that test the levels are 126mg/dL after two separate tests are performed. Known as either prediabetes or impaired fasting glucose, it is found if levels in the range between 100 and 126 mg/dL are conclusive. These results are consistent with possibilities and the traits typical of type 2 diabetes. The final test is referred to as the oral glucose tolerance test . Typically utilized for those with type 2 diabetes, the positive diagnosis will, after two hours, demonstrate a level more than 200 mg/dL.

Finally, a urine test is another option by which ketones and glucose are found to be present, however this test isn’t recommended as a final stop in the evaluation of diabetes in and off itself, but rather in conjunction with any one of the above mentioned blood tests as well.